Know Your Bible (KYB) in Melanesia
Know Your Bible (KYB) studies were first introduced to the Melanesian countries of Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu in the late 1990s. By 2003, PNG had established 100 KYB groups. In the Solomon Islands, more than 600 KYB groups had formed by 2008. Churches in Vanuatu subsequently expressed interest in adopting KYB studies. Today, significant numbers of women in these regions are using KYB studies to help them in their understanding of the Bible.
KYB studies in Melanesia come under the direction of CWCI Australia. The Melanesia Director on the National Management Board guides the work with assistance from a Melanesia sub-committee. This sub-committee consists of an Australian based Country Advisor representing each country and a Translation Advisor. The three Country Advisors visit their respective countries, annually if possible, to connect with the women and to offer training and support.
In 2025, each country was visited, KYB books distributed, workshops held, and new connections formed. Local women in Melanesia using these studies have benefited with learning opportunities from the Bible and the building of friendships with other women.
In the middle of 2025, PNG Country Advisor Elaine, became unwell and subsequently passed away to her eternal home. Elaine was a wonderful woman who is greatly missed by her friends in Australia and PNG. She was well known to the women she worked alongside in PNG. A new CWCI Country Advisor has now been appointed to continue the KYB work there. Her name is Heather Campbell, a former resident of Port Moresby, PNG. She has many friends there and is familiar with the country. Please support Heather in prayer as she begins this role.
Jacqui Guy, Country Advisor for Vanuatu has been a dynamic worker in our ministry to Melanesia for over twelve years. She will retire at the end of 2025 and be replaced by Karina Mills. Karina accompanied Jacqui to Vanuatu in May 2025 and (in Jacqui’s words) was a joy to have there. They worked with village leaders of the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union (PWMU) at a conference in Port Vila and later flew to Santo for a workshop with women from the Church of Melanesia. The local women are currently studying the books of Ruth and Five of God’s Women. Both studies have been translated into Bislama, the local pijin language.
In the Solomon Islands, Country Advisor Machi is continuing her work there as well as being Translation Assistant. She travelled to the Solomon Islands in July and workshopped with the Church of Melanesia Mother’s union. She also taught KYB studies with the Bishop Paterson Bible College women and connected with our local KYB country executive. Whilst in the Solomon Islands, Machi travelled to Ysabel Island where she led Mega Voice workshops with illiterate women. KYB Mega Voice groups have developed in that region and are strong and popular. There are five studies on each Mega Voice device in the local pijin language.
The current Melanesia Director, Joan Gordon, will complete two terms in that position at the end of 2025. She recently wrote “When I think of how I felt coming into this role I am still amazed that God can achieve so much with an empty vessel – a person who is completely unqualified, but willing to follow his direction. I have met many CWCI women, travelled to the Solomon Islands and met our executive there, tasted new food, laughed a lot, learned a lot, and at times really enjoyed myself!”
Joan is pleased that Colleen Oates, who lives in Cairns, has been appointed as her successor. Her acceptance of the role was greeted with great excitement from Joan.
For those who support the work of KYB in Melanesia please take time to pray for our new and continuing Country Advisors—Heather, Karina and Machi and our new Melanesia Director, Colleen. Pray that God will give each one a heart for his work, and a pathway to continue this mission for Him, by spreading His word across Melanesia.
If you would like to find out more about KYB in Melanesia or how you can donate towards this wonderful ministry go to our website KYB Melanesia – CWCI Australia.
Joan Gordon
Melanesia Director,
Australian National Management Board